Juanita Bates

Juanita Joyce (Kay) Bates,88, passed away on April 18, 2026. She was born in Hollis, Oklahoma, on September 5, 1937, to parents Dola Mae and Sidney Elmer White.

Juanita grew up in Hollis, Oklahoma, and then lived in Amarillo, Texas, for several years before moving to Rockport. She graduated from Hollis High School in 1955 and went on to graduate from college with an LVN degree.

Juanita loved to garden, craft, play cards, and volunteer at her church, Coastal Oaks Baptist. She worked many years with Dr. Warren in Rockport and retired as a school nurse for Rockport ISD Middle School. She spent lots of time in her yard and working on her home, while enjoying the company of her schnauzer Toby, who brought her joy and kept her busy with his antics!

Left to cherish her memory is her sister, Ellen Briscoe and son, Brandon; son-in-law, Joel Sanders; sisters-in-law, Carol Bates, Doris Bates; several nieces and nephew, Robbie Hays and wife Sharon.

Preceded in death by parents, Dola and Sidney Elmer White; Husband, Roger Hays, D.E. Bates, Ruey Langley; sister and brother-in-law, Colene and Nelson Hays; daughter, Deborah Kay Sanders; son, David Hays; favorite cockers, BamBam and Cuddles.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday,  May 16, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Coastal Oaks Baptist Church with a reception to follow in the Life Center. 

In Lieu of flowers, please donate to Coastal Oaks Baptist Church in honor of Juanita Bates.